Gank vs. Gang — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 26, 2023
"Gank" refers to an ambush or surprise attack in multiplayer games, typically by multiple players on one. "Gang" is a group of people often involved in illicit activities.
Difference Between Gank and Gang
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Key Differences
Gank originates from the world of online multiplayer video games, used when a group of players ambushes a single player or a smaller group. Gang, on the other hand, traditionally refers to a group of people who share a common identity or purpose.
Ganking in gaming often involves strategies to overpower the enemy by using superior numbers. A gang might be involved in various activities, ranging from criminal enterprises to social clubs or even informal friend groups.
The term gank is specific to the gaming context and has no significant usage or meaning outside of that world. In contrast, the concept of a gang is recognized globally and has a much broader interpretation, crossing over into many aspects of societal culture and language.
A gang can also refer to informal or formal groups in general. However, gank almost always carries a negative connotation in gaming, often associated with an unfair advantage or unsportsmanlike behavior.
Gank's usage is strictly metaphorical and symbolic within a game's landscape, usually leading to digital repercussions such as loss of in-game progress or assets. On the other hand, the consequences and actions of gangs in the real world can be physical and tangible, and have significant societal impacts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
In gaming terminology, to ambush and kill an opponent with little chance of retaliation, often with the assistance of teammates.
A group of individuals who associate with one another, often involved in a wide range of activities, which can include criminal behavior.
Context
Mostly used in online multiplayer games, particularly MOBAs and MMORPGs.
Used in various social contexts, from general use (group of friends) to specific use (organized criminal groups).
Connotation
Generally negative, as it refers to an unfair attack in a game.
Neutral to negative, depending on the context. "Gang" can refer to a simple group of people, but it can also refer to organized criminal entities.
Origin
Comes from online gaming communities.
English term with Old English, possibly Norse, roots.
Examples of use
"Our team managed to gank the enemy's carry and secured the victory."
"She was hanging out with her gang of friends." or "The city has been struggling with gang violence."
Associated actions
Involves strategic planning, cooperation with teammates, and effective execution in video games.
Can involve a wide range of actions, from socializing, cooperating, to engaging in illegal activities.
Compare with Definitions
Gank
In multiplayer online gaming, the act of a group of players teaming up to ambush a single opponent.
They planned to gank the enemy's best player, undermining their chances of winning the game.
Gang
An informal body of friends.
Gank
To kill much weaker players in an online video game in such a way that they cannot defend themselves. Common methods include attacking in much greater numbers or taking a well-equipped high-level character to assault players in a starting area.
Our group totally ganked this guy.
Gang
A group of laborers organized together on one job or under one foreperson.
A railroad gang.
Gank
The action of killing a solo enemy with the aid of allies in a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game.
To swing the game in our favor, let's gank their mid-laner.
Gang
A combination of similar implements arranged so as, by acting together, to save time or labor; a set; as, a gang of saws, or of plows.
Gank
The surprise attack on an unsuspecting player in a multiplayer video game.
Beware of the shadows; an opponent may gank you when you least expect it.
Gang
A gang is a group or society of associates, friends or members of a family with a defined leadership and internal organization that identifies with or claims control over territory in a community and engages, either individually or collectively, in illegal, and possibly violent, behavior.
Gank
The practice in online gaming of suddenly and collectively attacking an enemy, often in their territory.
We executed a perfect gank in the enemy's jungle, catching them completely off guard.
Gang
Act as an organized group.
Gank
A tactical decision to ambush an opponent with superior numbers in a video game.
If we gank their carry now, we will have a chance to push their base.
Gang
A group of politicians united in furtherance of a political goal.
The Gang of Four was led by Jiang Qing, the fourth wife of Mao Zedong.
Not all members of the Gang of Six are consistent in their opposition to filibuster.
Gank
To steal.
Gang
An organized group of workmen.
Gank
To swindle.
Gang
Tool consisting of a combination of implements arranged to work together.
Gank
A strategy in multiplayer games where players join forces to take down a single powerful opponent.
They decided to gank the boss to get the legendary loot.
Gang
To band together as a group or gang.
Gank
A method used in multiplayer games to overpower an enemy player by a surprise, joint attack.
To control the map, we need to gank their top-laner right now.
Gang
A group of criminals or hoodlums who band together for mutual protection and profit.
Gank
In competitive gaming, a strategic move to outnumber an enemy player, often by surprise.
Our team will need to gank their strongest player to gain an advantage.
Gang
A group of adolescents who band together, especially a group of delinquents.
Gank
In gaming, a sudden, coordinated attack on a single enemy player to gain an advantage.
The key to our victory was our decision to gank their jungler early in the game.
Gang
(Informal) A group of people who associate regularly on a social basis.
The whole gang from the office went to a clambake.
Gank
In online gaming, the action of ambushing a lone enemy player by multiple allied players.
Our strategy was simple: gank their strongest player and take the lead.
Gang
A matched or coordinated set, as of tools
A gang of chisels.
Gang
A pack of wolves or wild dogs.
Gang
A herd, especially of buffalo or elk.
Gang
Variant of gangue.
Gang
To arrange or assemble into a group, as for simultaneous operation or production.
Gang several pages onto one printing plate.
Gang
To attack as an organized group.
Gang
To go; walk; proceed.
Gang
(transitive) To attach similar items together to form a larger unit.
Gang
Pronunciation spelling of gan.
Gang
A number going in company; a number of friends or persons associated for a particular purpose.
The Gashouse Gang
The gang from our office is going out for drinks.
Gang
A group of laborers under one foreman; a squad.
A gang of sailors; a railroad gang; a labor gang or pool.
Gang
A criminal group with a common cultural background and identifying features, often associated with a particular section of a city.
A youth gang; a neighborhood gang; motorcycle gang.
Gang
A group of criminals or alleged criminals who band together for mutual protection and profit.
The Winter Hill Gang was quite proficient at murdering rival mobsters in order to take over their rackets.
Gang
A combination of similar tools or implements arranged so as, by acting together, to save time or labor; a set.
A gang of saws; a gang of plows; a gang drill; gang milling.
Gang
A set; all required for an outfit.
A new gang of stays.
Gang
(electrics) A number of switches or other electrical devices wired into one unit and covered by one faceplate.
An outlet gang box; a double gang switch.
Gang
(electrics) A group of wires attached as a bundle.
A gang of wires.
Do a drop for the telephone gang, then another drop for the Internet gang, both through the ceiling of the wiring closet.
Gang
A going, journey; a course, path, track.
Gang
(obsolete) An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.
Gang
To go; to walk.
Gang
A going; a course.
Gang
A number going in company; hence, a company, or a number of persons associated for a particular purpose; a group of laborers under one foreman; a squad; as, a gang of sailors; a chain gang; a gang of thieves.
Gang
A set; all required for an outfit; as, a new gang of stays.
Gang
The mineral substance which incloses a vein; a matrix; a gangue.
Gang
A group of teenagers or young adults forming a more or less formalized group associating for social purposes, in some cases requiring initiation rites to join; as, a teen gang; a youth gang; a street gang.
Gang
A group of persons organized for criminal purposes; a criminal organization; as, the Parker gang.
Gang
An association of criminals.
Police tried to break up the gang.
Common Curiosities
Is it gank or gang in League of Legends?
In the context of League of Legends, the correct term is "gank." It refers to an act of ambushing one or more players by another player or group of players.
What does gank mean in gaming?
In gaming, "gank" typically refers to the act of ambushing an unsuspecting player with the intent of killing their character, often done with the advantage of superior numbers or positioning.
What is a gank in League of Legends?
In League of Legends, a "gank" is an act where a player ambushes one or more opponents who are currently engaged in fighting or are otherwise off-guard, typically with the intention of killing them or providing a strategic advantage for their team.
Is gang a real word?
Yes, "gang" is a real word in the English language. It generally refers to a group of people who associate with each other, often to engage in illegal activities.
What is gang order?
"Gang order" refers to the hierarchy or structure within a gang. This can include roles such as leaders, enforcers, and rank-and-file members. It can also refer to rules and norms that govern the behavior of gang members.
What does gank mean in slang?
In slang, particularly in online gaming, "gank" refers to the act of ambushing and attacking an opponent, often with the advantage of superior numbers or positioning.
Why is it called a gang?
The term "gang" originates from the Old English word "gan," which means "to go." It's used to describe a group of people who go together, but in modern usage, it's typically associated with groups involved in criminal activities.
What is ganking in mobile legends?
In Mobile Legends, "ganking" refers to the act of leaving your own lane to sneak up and attack an enemy player in another lane, usually catching them by surprise to secure a kill or create a strategic advantage.
What is a gank fight?
A "gank fight" refers to a combat situation in video games, especially multiplayer online games, where a group of players ambushes a lone player or a smaller group of players, usually with the intention of defeating them quickly and efficiently.
What is the English spelling of gang?
The English spelling of "gang" is G-A-N-G.
Is a gang a family?
While a gang can serve as a type of surrogate family for some members, providing a sense of belonging and mutual support, it is not a family in the traditional sense. The relationships between gang members can be complex, often characterized by loyalty, violence, and illegal activities.
What is gang and example?
A gang refers to a group of people who associate with each other, often for the purpose of committing criminal activities. An example of a gang is the Yakuza in Japan, a highly organized crime syndicate known for its strict codes of conduct and organized nature.
What does gank in ml means?
In Mobile Legends (ML), "gank" refers to the act of ambushing enemy heroes, often with the intention of quickly killing them or creating a strategic advantage for the team.
What is gang slang for?
In slang, a "gang" can simply refer to a group of people, often friends or people with common interests. However, it's most often associated with a group involved in criminal activities. The usage can depend on the context and the culture or subculture in which the term is used.
Does blood mean gang?
In certain contexts, "Blood" can refer to a member of the Bloods, a street gang that originated in Los Angeles, California. The term can also refer to the gang as a whole.
What is a gang in psychology?
In psychology, a "gang" is often studied from the perspective of group dynamics, social identity, and deviant behavior. Psychological research on gangs often focuses on factors that lead individuals to join gangs, the impact of gang membership on individuals and communities, and strategies for intervention and prevention.
What is difference between gang and group?
The key difference between a "gang" and a "group" lies in connotation. While both terms refer to a number of individuals who associate with each other, "gang" often implies involvement in criminal activities, whereas "group" is a neutral term and simply indicates a collection of individuals.
What is a youth gang?
A youth gang is a group of young people who associate with each other and engage in criminal activities. Youth gangs are often characterized by their age range (typically adolescents or young adults), their shared identity, and their involvement in illegal activities.
What is gang intelligence?
"Gang intelligence" refers to information collected and analyzed by law enforcement and other agencies about gang activities, including their membership, locations, criminal activities, and internal dynamics. This information is used to predict and prevent gang-related crimes.
Is gang a genre?
No, "gang" is not a genre.
What is the opposite of a gang?
The opposite of a "gang" could be considered an "individual" or a "loner," signifying someone who acts on their own rather than as part of a group.
What is gang in Oxford English Dictionary?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a "gang" is defined as "an organized group of criminals" or "a group of people who associate together or act as an organized body, especially for criminal or illegal purposes."
What makes someone gang?
Joining a gang is often influenced by factors like socio-economic status, environment, lack of social or familial support, and the desire for a sense of belonging. A person becomes part of a gang when they are accepted by the existing members and commit to engaging in the gang's activities.
How do you use gang?
"Gang" can be used in a sentence like this: "The police have been working hard to reduce the influence of gangs in our city."
What is gang problems?
"Gang problems" refer to issues arising from the existence and activities of gangs. This can include crime, violence, drug trafficking, and negative impacts on communities, including fear and social instability.
What type of word is gang?
"Gang" is a noun that refers to a group of people who associate with each other, often to commit criminal activities.
How do you use gank in a sentence?
Here's an example of using "gank" in a sentence: "In our last match, we managed to gank the enemy's carry and took control of their jungle."
What is called gang?
A gang is a group of people who associate with each other, often for the purpose of committing criminal activities. Gangs can be organized in various ways, including street gangs, prison gangs, motorcycle gangs, and criminal organizations.
What's higher than a gang?
Organizations that are typically more structured and organized than a gang include syndicates, cartels, or mafia. These entities often engage in large-scale illegal activities and may have influence over smaller street gangs.
Is a gang a clique?
While the terms "gang" and "clique" can both refer to groups of people, they are not synonymous. A "clique" is a small, close-knit group of people who share common interests, while a "gang" is often associated with groups involved in criminal activities.
What is gang theory?
"Gang theory" refers to the study and understanding of gangs from a sociological and criminological perspective. It involves analyzing why gangs form, their structure, the behaviors of gang members, and the social impact of their activities.
What is a gang of kids called?
A "gang" of kids is often called a "gang" in the traditional sense, though the term can carry negative connotations. More neutral terms include "group," "crew," or "pack."
Does gang mean gangster?
While the terms "gang" and "gangster" are related, they don't mean the same thing. A "gang" is a group of people who often engage in illegal activities, whereas a "gangster" is an individual who is a member of such a group.
Is gank a league term?
Yes, "gank" is a term used frequently in League of Legends and other multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. It refers to the act of surprising an enemy by emerging from a hidden location to engage in combat.
Is gank a Scrabble word?
Yes, "gank" is a valid word in Scrabble, contributing 9 points without any bonuses.
What does gank out mean?
"Gank out" is a term primarily used in online gaming, often meaning to successfully eliminate or defeat an opponent through a ganking maneuver, where the player or a group of players ambush an unsuspecting opponent.
What is the origin of gank?
The term "gank" originated from the world of online gaming, particularly in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. It is a blend of 'gang' and 'kill,' signifying an action where a group of players ambush and kill a lone opponent.
What is called gang age?
"Gang age" refers to the typical age range of gang members. This can vary greatly depending on the specific gang, but many gang members are known to join during their early teens to late twenties.
What is gang up in English?
To "gang up" on someone means for a group of people to join together to oppose or attack that person, either physically or verbally. It's often used in contexts where the person being ganged up on is at a disadvantage due to being outnumbered.
What is the synonym of gang?
Synonyms for "gang" can include crew, group, squad, band, mob, or team, depending on the context.
Which gang is blood?
The Bloods are a primarily African-American street gang founded in Los Angeles, California, in the early 1970s. They are known for their rivalry with the Crips, another major street gang in the same area.
How big is a gang?
The size of a gang can vary greatly, ranging from a few individuals to thousands of members. The size often depends on factors such as the type of gang, its geographical location, and its level of organization.
What is first gang?
The first known gang in the United States was the Forty Thieves, a group of criminals that operated out of New York City's Five Points neighborhood in the early 19th century. Their criminal activities included theft, burglary, and violent acts.
Is a gang a bad thing?
The connotation of the term "gang" depends on its context. If referring to criminal organizations involved in illegal activities, it is generally seen as a negative entity. However, when used colloquially to describe a group of friends or associates, it does not have a negative connotation.
What is the meaning of girl gang?
A "girl gang" generally refers to a close-knit group of female friends. It's often used in a positive, empowering context, suggesting mutual support, shared interests, and camaraderie among the group members.
Does gang mean friends?
In certain contexts and cultures, "gang" can refer to a group of friends or people with shared interests. However, in a more traditional context, "gang" is usually associated with groups involved in criminal activities.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
